The arrival of Serena and Venus accelerated the spread of power hitting throughout the women's game. Williams' 1999 US Open victory was the first of six in New York She did not return to the top of the world rankings until five years after her sister's death. 'It was an aching sadness, an all-over weariness, a sudden disinterest in the world around me - in tennis, above all,' she wrote. In her 2009 autobiography Queen of the Court, she talks about slipping into depression. During what has often been the peak years of a player's career, Williams was trying to come to terms with the death of her sister Yetunde in a drive-by shooting in Compton in September 2003. Williams won a total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, despite only winning two in a five year period in her mid-20s. The sister, whose bed she sometimes had to share as a child but from whom she learnt so much and gained so much of her drive. The sister, who had inspired the glowing newspaper articles and was originally the main focus of their father Richard. The sister, who in Serena's words was 'taller, prettier, quicker and more athletic'. The first 'Serena Slam' was completed at the Australian Open of 2003 and secured over four consecutive finals against Venus. Twice, 12 years apart, Williams won all four in a row. No-one else has been able to keep collecting Grand Slam singles titles over an 18 year period. The target was, though, incredibly motivating and helped a 30-plus Williams win more than half of the Slams she entered between Wimbledon 2012 and the Australian Open of 2017. Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles was always a false target, as the phenomenally successful Australian won 13 of those titles when professionals were banned from taking part. Serena Williams - the ultimate game-changer?.How US Open victory of 1999 tells the story of what was to come.Williams plans karaoke and time with daughter after US Open farewell.'The greatest the world has ever seen' - tributes to Williams.Williams waves farewell after Ajla Tomljanovic defeat.Serena's top 10 moments - vote for your favourite.Muhammad Ali and perhaps Billie Jean King aside, has any athlete made a greater impact on society than Serena Williams? And she may be only just beginning.

Many noses were put out of joint in the process, but corrective surgery had been long overdue. Women, especially those of colour, do not need to hide their emotions or a desperate will to succeed. She and her sister Venus changed the game, and the approach to life of many - whether they had been dreaming of a pro tennis career or simply a better, fairer future for themselves and their family.īe yourself, was the message.

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